Clarkson, whose next album is due out in October, took her latest single "Love So Soft" to the stage of AGT's Season 12 finale with enough soul to revive a graveyard. And when the track ended, Cowell — an enduring Clarkson fan — stood up and delivered a standing ovation.

Let us say in unison: Aww.

Cowell told HollywoodLife.comahead of the premiere that — as much as Kelly might owe Idol a lot — the appreciation is certainly reciprocal.

“Kelly is one of my favorite-ever contestants. She, in my opinion, is part of the reason we’re all standing here tonight,” he revealed. “The first time I made one of the shows, an amazing singer won. Then she had a huge career. She was very loyal, very appreciative. So the fact that I’m here with her 16 years later, it’s amazing.”

Twelve-year-old Darci Lynne Farmer, a singing ventriloquist, eventually won AGT Season 12. The victory's prize package includes $1 million and a Las Vegas residency.